ICT in the Construction Industry - Article Example

Full Paper ICT in the Construction Industry Hardware and software technology in the construction industry have gone a very longway and is fast developing every minute of the day. Computer systems for building and architectural purposes are so much faster now than they were when they first came in the 1970s (Skibniewski, M. J. 2014). Specially configured systems can even be purchased specifically for different purposes ranging from speed to its ability to higher graphics. These PCs can likewise be connected with diverse hardware, for example, a projector for anticipating pictures (utilized amid presentations), printers, light pens, scanners, phones and fax and so forth. Programming and applications have been an exceptionally tremendous improvement in the historical backdrop of ICT and has changed the conditions inside building design and acquisition. In development distinctive applications have been constructed particularly for diverse purposes and some are compatible with others. For example drawings made in AutoCAD by a designer can be exchanged to modeling software, for example, 3D studio MAX. There are likewise distinctive applications, for example, those for contractors and surveyors which include accounting and processing information for contracts and solidifying results for engineers and architects. There are those which include making of specified drawings and modeling, accounting and processing, information administration and so forth all accessible in the same bundle, example of one of these is Archi CAD typically these are called building information modeling (BIM) programming which consolidates so large portion of these assignments into one single application. PC Supported Drafting (CAD) The significant output of any architectural and engineering group is drawings and these drawings are presently generally produced on PCs. Like other CAD programming, construction oriented CAD are in view of the same standards however may contrast to some degree in their planning and application systems. CAD systems provide drawing elements with effective development, altering and database methods to deliver drawings and models of what buildings will look like when completed (Ho-Chang, C., Chang E., K., & Prybutok, V. R. 2014). They are based on the establishment of drawing primitives (2D/3D lines, curves, arcs, 3D surfaces, content and so forth.) Its information can likewise be perused and stored in by different applications software for analyzing the output data. For instance, a CAD framework could be utilized to create 2Ddrawing, and can be connected to an alternate or same programming as the case may be and produce the 3D model. It can be stored for future references, printed, anticipated, edited modified, and so on. A typical necessity in architectural and engineering design is to create a drawing which is a schematic layout of segments, and which precisely reflects the relative sizes and connections of these parts (Ho-Chang, C., Chang E., K., & Prybutok, V. R. 2014). The speed and ease with which a drawing can be arranged and altered utilizing a PC have a huge advantage over hand-based drawing and strategies. For example in an architectural CAD, walls, beams, Columns, slabs and so on are basic devices in the application and these can just be included by essentially clicking and dropping or drawing along a surface. There is essentially no restriction to the sort of drawings and models that can be arranged utilizing a CAD framework, if it could be possible physically utilizing the hand (Randall, T. 2011). Spread Sheets and Word Processors Spreadsheet, word projects and microcomputers have changed data preparing. They are used to handle issues and get defers experience in managing the conventional manual method for getting office works done (Lu, Y., Li, Y., Skibniewski, M., Wu, Z., Wang, R., & Le, Y. 2015). Spreadsheets like Microsoft excel, word and PowerPoint are imperative office devices as they remain for the day to day running of worksheets. They are habitually utilized for financial information and presentations as they can be utilized to make and alter charts, graphs and tables. They are a very important ICT apparatus in the development business as they are intended to perform general calculation assignments utilizing spatial connections. Most documentation, letters, calculations and presentations are been carried out on spread sheets and they are generally compatible to the CAD software and firms might autonomously operate small group ICT advancement, for example, planning and scheduling applications utilizing spread sheets. There are numerous BIM used that can be fruitful for the construction procedure of the buildings. BIM can be utilized for the management of document where the team can share details with each other. Architects, engineers and even contractors can share the progress. An important feature is building maintenance scheduling, for which BIM can be used to plan activities through this the performance can be improved in order to avoid emergency problems. BIM use is also helpful in building the educational activities. Background Information on Mobile Technology Tools used in the Construction Industry For educational activity building mobile technology is also important and is helpful in planning, designing and constructing. Nowadays tablets are useful and because of easy carry access and small size they are popular under mobile technology. They can be used for drawings, construction, reading etc. Figure 46 Using tablets to viewing project documents on site. Image courtesy of constructarabia.com It is evaluated that every project director, BIM chief and directors spares overall 1 to 2 hours every day by utilizing tablets. An alternate important apparatus is Google Glass, which is generally another idea yet it could have a gigantic positive effect on the development industry. One of Google Glass most prominent points of interest is the way that it permits the individual who is wearing them to have both of his hands accessible to perform some other errands. Mobile technology serves to deal with the project efficiently while minimizing the expense come about because of miscommunication between the venture group. Furthermore, these innovation apparatuses whats more patterns are suitable for nay venture sort or size. Tablets are awesome illustration because of the wide scope of utilizations accessible on them and the capacity to utilize remote information to impart data or reports, for example, diagrams. The applications could be secured and just approved experts can have entry to the substance. Most tablets accompany high definition cams which take into account taking pictures of any issues on location and promptly send it to the capable party for a brisk arrangement or actually utilizing live webcam to get a moment proficient feeling. These cams could be utilized to stay informed regarding the development progress too. An alternate great feature that is accessible in the development business is Global Positioning Framework "GPS" which can be utilized to track heavy machinery. Moreover, when joining RFID labels with development materials, any waste, misfortune or robbery could be lessened or disposed of. RFID labels are little marks that can be joined to any article so its correct area can be followed utilizing a little device that can get the RFID labels signals, figure47. As indicated by a study done by www.gpsinsight.com, 50% of the development industry use GPS to certain extend which is more than the administration (44%) and different commercial enterprises. Figure 47 a simple diagram shows the components of the RFID tag. Image courtesy of skyrfid.com 86% of the respondents said the utilization of GPS is "either to some degree or exceptionally useful to the business". That incorporates four out of the five ranges that were secured in the overview; gainfulness, fuel utilization, vehicle directing, and client administration for the exemption of vehicle upkeep. Mostly everybody is innovatively competent and was accustomed to utilizing web-meeting programming and online/ftp locales for record conveyance. We are utilizing BIM for coordination & demonstrating, conflict detection and resource administration. Each classroom is equipped w/the current standard of classroom A/V supplies. Drawings and submittals are created and prepared/endorsed electronically. O&M manuals will be in a searchable electronic organization. We have been utilizing tablets for a couple of years. Tablets empower us to effortlessly transport a whole set of drawings/reports into the field for examinations. The Labor & Industry building controller likewise uses a tablet for his examinations and favors drawings electronically in lieu of hardcopy. Hardcopies are as yet being utilized as a part of the trailers and field – basically for simplicity of keeping as-manufactured and less-extravagant and the sky is the limit from there helpful to appropriate among laborers. Electronic records are utilized as well between the configuration colleagues and manager and the development supervisor. Technology is enhancing the methodology – both in quality and speed. Legitimate utilization of innovation will likewise decrease change requests and expense of development. It will likewise permit the end-client simple access to documentation (submittals, O&Ms, drawings, and so forth.) for a lifetime. The measure of paperwork identified with building undertakings and space to store it will be significantly diminished over the long time. Case study 1: Roger’s O’Brian Con Building Design + Construction "BD+C" magazine asked a few organizations from their BIM rundown to impart their vision of BIM 2.0. The answers included better versatility arrangements, coordinating BIM with virtual reality innovations and impact on the utilization Of Global Positioning Framework "GPS" inside the development business. Google Glass is a bit of innovation that has the possibility to bring the workplace to the field. These glasses are restricted and in the model stage, additionally they cost about $1500 a piece however once it is economically accessible it will cost about $250. Todd Wynne, the operation innovation expert from Rogers-OBrien Construction is the master in terms of innovation uses inside the development business. He expressed that "90% of innovation accessible today has been credited to the workplace, not the field" these advances incorporate however not restricted to BIM, material following and laser checking. Also, tablets and connected PDF archives can be utilized as a helpful strategy for data trade and correspondence between the workplace and the field. Wynne accepts that Google glass can take out inefficiencies inside the development business. Figure 48 Todd Wynne using Google Glass on a construction site. Image courtesy www.bdcnetwork.com He expects the future of development to be a world where undertakings are performed satisfactorily with innovation that is joined to our bodies; hand free. Wynne has utilized Google Glass on field figure 48 for quality control, in-wall inspections, taking photographs and holding gatherings through live webcam to comprehend issues in the field. For example, one day Wynne alongside a project engineer were administering the development site when they ran over a subcontractor who had an inquiry with respect to the blazing on the top. Luckily, Wynne was wearing his Google glass and he called the architect utilizing live webcam to walk him through the issue figure 49. Thus, the subcontractor had the capacity get his answers inside minutes and the venture designer issued an affirming RFI rather than standard RFI which abbreviated the methodology by two weeks. Figure 50 gives a more critical look of Google Glass. Figure 50 Google Glass. Image courtesy of www.google.com/glass Case study 2: FieldLens As per the CEO of FieldLens, Doug Chambers, FielLens is the Facebook of the development industry. Its primary intention is to make correspondence between the undertaking group as open and easy as would be prudent. The undertaking group can utilize it to issue jobsite errands, track field advance and arrange task record in one spot. FieldLens was made by a group of specialists who worked in the development business for a considerable length of time and are acquainted with jobsites issues that face the undertaking group once a day. Their primary objective is to take out the expense identified with miscommunication that can prompt lavish answers for erroneously introduced work, or printed paper archive which is evaluated to be pretty nearly $40 billion every year. Each individual from the task group can utilize it, including the manager, general builder, creators, subcontractors, engineers, and so on. For every undertaking profile, the group can alter the newsfeed and compose data to control who has admittance for particular data. The site is exceptionally secure and easy to use, no preparation is obliged and can be utilized with least innovation rehearse. The expense is $180 a year or $20 a month every client. The site is open on desktops, lab tops, tablets or even cell phones which much simpler to view archives without utilizing any mind boggling apparatuses, figure51. Figure 51 Fieldlens can be viewed using lab tops, desktops, tablets or even smart phones. Image courtesy of Fieldlens.com Case study 3: Dael Thermal In 2013 the Canadian mechanical builder Dael Thermal understood the measure of cash squandered on paper reports and miscommunication between the task group. To tackle this issue, they furnished all field professionals with tablets outfitted with portable administration administration applications. Thus, Dael Thermal had the capacity to uproot the expense related with paperwork, enhance the productivity of the task group, minimizing administration call delays also enhancing site repair abilities. Also, they found themselves able to process demands, get client consents and get contracts through portable channels. The project group can deal with the errands and submit or redesign data while on the development site to decrease the danger of miscommunication. The combination of tablets and portable administration applications gave Dael Thermals workers the chance to perform their assignments under a solitary instinctive, consistent and easy to understand interface. Case Study 4: DAVIS Construction Motion Tablet PCs DAVIS Construction is an extraordinary general contractor who gives development and outline administrations. The organization obliges large amounts of consistency and precision for their undertakings; subsequently the employment site examinations were experiencing issues identified with that. To resolve these issues after the disappointment of utilizing conventional techniques, DAVIS chose to counsel with Motion Computing, which drove the organization to use Motion Tablet PCs. These tablets have the ability to facilitate DAVISs wellbeing and quality certification techniques, for example, planning examinations and making inadequacy reports. By executing this innovation, the benefit was discernibly expanded and DAVIS had the capacity keep up its high security guidelines. Also, the electronic programming makes it simpler for reviewers to cooperate because of its institutionalized arrangement. The tablets were utilized shockingly at the City Vista venture, where DAVIS administrators had the capacity to get to plans, 3D models, and determinations and offer photographs while dealing with the development site. Everything was composed in one database by one individual, partner director Jeff Finley and that spared a lot of time. As indicated by the senior director on the same undertaking Josh Roe, they needed to calendar 3 walkthroughs furthermore 3 checks with at least 5 units a day which was performed by 4 individuals and that was made conceivable by the utilization of these tablets. On top of all these profits specified above, is the unwavering quality and security of these tablets and its product which made DAVIS choose to use these tablets on more tasks later on. Table 22 demonstrates the diverse sorts of tablets offered by Motion Computing to DAVIS and joined with a concise depiction of every tablet, makers proposed retail cost and their profits. Table 22 Comparison between the different types of tablets offered by Motion Computing. References Skibniewski, M. J. (2014). Information technology applications in construction safety assurance. Journal Of Civil Engineering & Management, 20(6), 778-794. doi:10.3846/13923730.2014.987693 Ho-Chang, C., Chang E., K., & Prybutok, V. R. (2014). 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On information and communication technology and production cost in construction industry: evidence from the Netherlands. Construction Management & Economics, 32(6), 641-651. doi:10.1080/01446193.2014.911932 Read More